Railway signaling apparatus.



No. 689,975. Patented Dec. 3|, I901. F. A. 'LANDEE.

RAILWAY SIGNALING APPARATUS.

(Application filed Sept. 29, 1900.)

2 Sheets-Sheet I.

(No Model.)

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Patented Dec. 3|, |90|.

F. A. LANDEE.

RAILWAY SIGNALING APPARATUS.

(Applicktion fll'ed Slept. 2a, 1900.

2 Shagts-Sheet 2.

(lie Model.)

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UNTTED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

FRANK A. LANDEE, OF MOLINE, ILLINOIS.

RAILWAY SIGNALING APPARATUS.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 689,975, dated December 31, 1901.

Application filed September 29. 1900. Serial No. SL467. (No model.)

To all whom it 'ntu/y concern.-

Be it known that I, FRANK A.LANDEE, a citizen of the United States, residing at Moline, in the county of Rock Island and State-of Illinois, have invented a certain new and useful Improvement in Railway Signaling Apparatus, (Case No. 3,) of which the following is a full, clear, concise, and exact description, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this specification.

My invention relates to railway signaling systems, and has for its object the provision of an improved railway signaling instrument and improved circuit arrangements associated therewith for systems of this kind.

In the operation of railroads it is desirable frequently that a signal be stationed at a railway-crossing which is adjacent to a railwaystation. In such cases when instruments of the prior art are used as a train approaches a station and actuates the signal no means are provided whereby said signal isprevented from operating during the time the train is at rest or backing up when switching near the station in the case of freight service.

It is the prime object of my present invention to provide an instrument which when used in one connection shall be adapted for use not only as a signal-actuating instrument, but also to prevent the actuation thereof under certain conditions.

lilyinstrumcntinits preferred embodiment comprises an electromagnet actuating a preferably pivotally mounted circuit-changer and a plurality of additional electromagnetic devices which serve as additional controlling means for said circuit-changer, which at the same time control additional circuits.

I will describe my invention in detail by reference to the accompanying drawings, illustrating the preferred embodiments thereof, in which- Figure 1 is a side view constructed in accordance with my invention. Fig. 2 is a front view thereof. Figs. 3, 4, and 5 illustrate various positions of the circuit-changing arms. Fig. 6 is a diagrammatic view showing one way of connecting my improved instrument in circuit. Fig. 7 is another diagrammatic view showing another manner of including a modification of my improved instrument in circuit.

mature is provided with an arm 7, carrying contact-points 8 8, which engage stationarilymounted limiting-stops 9 9, secured to a suitable frame 10. Normally the stops 9 and 9 are not included in an electric circuit; but I do not wish to be limited to the use of the said stops merely as such, as it is of advantage in some instances to use them as contactpoints that will be more particularly set forth hereinafter with regard to the apparatus shown in Fig. 7. A springll tends to draw the armature 4 into its retracted position. A spring contact member 12, also preferably secured to the frame 10, engages a circuitchanging frame 13 when said electromagnet 1 is denergized, the said frame being electrically connected with the arm 7. The spring contact member 12, although not necessary for the correctperformance of the electrical functions of the device, is, however, added for mechanical reasons, so that the contact may be more effectively made between the said contact member and the arm 13. For this reason I have not illustrated the said contact member in the diagrammatic illustrations shown in Figs. 3 to 7. The circuit through the frame 13is also controlled by electromagnets 1t 14, suitably mounted to a back piece 15 by means of a post 16 and binding-screws 17. The electromagnets 14 are preferably placed in an elevated position relatively to the magnet 1, so that the armatures 18 18 of the electromagnets are preferably on a'line with the upper edge of the frame 13. Each of the armatures 18 18 carries a contact-arm 19, by means of which arm the circuit control is effected, the i said arm at the same time affording means for pivotally mounting the armatures within bearings 20. Supporting-frames 21, preferably similar to the supporting-frame 10, are also secured to the back piece 15, each of the said supports carrying two binding-screws 22 22. The contact-arms 19 19, carrying contactpoints 23 23, are so arranged that when the armature 4 is in its position nearest to the magnet 1 the said arms engage the metallic portion of the said frame upon a dnergization of either of the electromagnets 14. An insulating-strip 24 runs lengthwise of the upper portion of the frame 13 and is placed thereon in such manner that when the armature 4 is in its retracted position and either of the armatures 18 is in its retracted position no circuit can be closed through either of the arms 19 and 13 upon a renergization of electromagnet 1, as the said insulating-strip 24 engages the extremity of the arm 19 and prevents a further movement of the said contactframe 13. In this manner the circuit through the contact-frame 13 is controlled bythe armature 4 and the armatures 18 18. When all three of the armatures 18 and 4 are attracted and either of the armatures 18 is released, circuit is closed through the corresponding arm 19 and the frame 13; but at the same time contact is not effected between the contactpoints23 and the corresponding binding-screw or adjusting-stop 22. In the embodiments of the invention shown the adjusting-stops 22 are not used as contact-points, whereas in one of the embodiments illustrated the binding-screws 22 are used as contact-points; but I do not limit myself to the use of the limiting-stops 22 or 22in either capacity. Fig. 3 shows more clearly the position of the circuitchanging arms when all three armatures are attracted. Contact is effected between contact-point S-that is, the frame 13 and contact-point 9. Contact is broken between contact-point 8 and the contact-point 9, as well as between the frame 13 and the spring-contact 12. No contact is made between the arms 19 and the frame 13; but the circuit is closed through the arms 19 and the binding-screws 22' 22. Fig. 4 shows a position when either armature 18 is released, armature 4 at the same time being attracted, thus effecting contact between the frame 13 and the arm 19. Fig. 5 shows armature 4 attracted by its electromagnet and one of the armatures 18 released, so that no contact is effected between the arm 19 and the frame 13. It will thus be seen that either armature 18 may prevent contact between the frame 13 and both the contact-arms 19 19.

I will now explain my invention as applied to a railway system in which one signal is arranged at a single railway-crossing.

By referring more particularly to Fig. 6 two sections of track 25 26 are arranged in a system of track a b, the sections 25 26 being of suitable length. In the particular instance shown a crossing 27 intersects railway-track in close proximity to a railway-depot 28. Batteries 29 30 are connected in bridge of the sections 25 26, respectively. The electromagnets 14 14 are also respectively connected in bridge of the sections 25 26. A signal 31, adapted to indicate the approach of a train, has one terminal permanently included with the frame 13 and the remaining terminal connected with a battery 32. The remaining terminal of the battery is connected to both of the arms 1919, as well as to one terminal of the electromagnet 1. The remaining terminal of the electromagnet is connected to a battery 33 and the second terminal of the battery connected to the contact-points 22 22. It will thus be seen that all the armatures are in their attracted positions, as magnets 14 14 are included in closed circuit with the batteries 29 and 30 and as the electromagnet 1 is in closed circuit with battery 33 througharms 19 and contact-points 22. The circuit through the signal 31 is open, as neither arm 19 energizes the frame 13. If new the train approaches the crossing from the right-hand end of the section of track a b and the front wheels of the train engage the track-section 26 battery 30 is short-circuitcd through the said wheels and the right-hand electromagnet 14 denergized. Right-hand armature 18 is thus released and right-hand contact-arm 19 engages the frame 13 and circuit is thus closed to actuate the signal, passing through the said signal 31, battery 32, right-hand contact-arm 19, and contact-frame 13. If the train is to stop at the station 28, it is desirable that means be provided so that signal 31 will not be actuated after the train has reached the station. By means of my invention when the first wheels of the train reach the section of track 25 left-hand armature 18 will be released as electromagnet 14 is denergized, and thus circuit through electromagnet 1 will be broken, as neither contact-point 22 is any longer in connection with the contact-arm 19, and thus circuit through battery 33 is open. The contact-frame 13 will thus recede, due to the action of the spring 11, and the circuit through the signal 31 will be open, because contactframe 13 is then no longer in connection with either of the contact-arms 19 19. All that is necessary in order to prevent the signal from operating when once actuated is to allow the front wheels of the train to engage the second section of track, as described. It will be obvious that the same result is effected when thetrain enters the track-section a. Z) from the left.

A further advantage which I obtain in the use of this improved circuit-changing apparatus will be apparent. If it is desired to continue the movement of the train back and forth upon either side of the crossing 27 without a continued operation of the signal 31, all that is necessary is to allow the first wheels of the train to touch the second track-section and the train is at liberty to recede, as no communication can be effected between the frame 13 and the arm 19, which has again been attracted, so long as one arm 19 remains in its retracted position due to the insulatingstrip 24. All that is required in order to prevent a recurring actuation of the signal 31 is to allow the track-sections 25 and 26 to be sufficiently long.

ICC

By referring more particularly to Fig. 7 I will explain another arrangement of circuit to which my invention is applicable. In this figure I have illustrated a modification of my improved signaling system, not as concerns the actual construction of the apparatus,'but in the use of certain stops and binding-screws as contact-points or in the use of certain contact-points simply as limiting or adjusting stops. If it is desired to actuate consecutively two signals placed at two intersecting crossings of a railway-track by means of my improved device, I provide three sec-- tions of track 3t, 35, and so, placed, respectively, between and on either side of crossings 37 37. Batteries 38 38' 38 are normallyconnected in bridge of the track-sections 3i 35 36. Signals 39 39 are provided at the cross ings37 37,respectively. lllyimproveddevice is connectedin circuitas follows: The electromagnet 1 is included in bridge of the tracksection 34. The left hand electromagnet leis included in bridge of the track-section 35, and the right-hand electromagnet 14 is included in bridge of the track-section 36. One terminal of each of the signals 39 39' is connected to one terminal of a battery 40. The remaining terminal of the battery is connected to the contact-frame 13. Both the remaining terminals of the signals 39 39 are each respectively connected to each of the contact-arms 19 and to the contactpoint 9. If now a train is approaching from the right and enters track-section 36, right-hand magnet 1i will be denergized and right-hand contact-arm- 19 retracted, contact-frame 13 thus actuating signal 39 at the crossing 37. After a further forward movement of the train toward the left the wheels of the train will enter track-- section 3i and deenergize electromagnet 1, thus permitting the armature 4, and consequently the contact-frame, to recede and en gage contact-point 9, thereby actuating both signals 39 39' through said contact-point, After a further movement toward the left the front wheels of the train will enter track: section 35, and left-hand electromagnet 14 will also be deenergized, thus releasing lefthand armature 18. As soon as the train leaves track-section 34 armature 4 is again attracted but is prevented from completing its total forward movement as the insulating-strip 24 on the frame 13 engages the left-hand con- Having thus described my invention, what I claim, and desire to secure by Letters Patcut, is-

1. The combination with an electromagnet, of an armature for the said electromagnet, a circuit-changing arm carried by said arma ture, a second electromagnet, an armature therefor, an arm carried by said'armature, said arm being adapted, in connection with the first aforesaid arm, to close an electric circuit, and a strip of insulation provided upon said first aforesaid arm to prevent said second arm from effecting circuit through said first aforesaid arm when said first aforesaid electromagnet is first energized and said second electromagnet is thereupon deenergized, the said arms being adapted to form an electrically continuous conductor when said second aforesaid electromagnet is first deenergized, while said first aforesaid electromagnet is thereafter energized, substantially as described.

2. The combination with an electromagnet, of a pivotally-mounted contact-frame actuated by said electromagnet, a plurality of electromagnets, and arms actuated by said eleotromagnets, said arms being adapted for engagement with said contact frame, and means for preventing said contact-frame from electrically engaging either of the said contact-arms upon a reenergization of the first aforesaid magnet after an actuation of either of the contact arms, substantially as described.

3. The combination with an electromagnet, of a pivotally-inounted contact-frame actuated by said electromagnet, a plurality of electromagnets, arms actuated by said electromagnets, said arms being adapted for engagement with a contact-frame, an insulating-strip provided upon said contact-frame, whereby said contact-frame is prevented from electrically engaging either of the said contact-arms upon a reenergization of the first aforesaid magnet after a positive actuation of either of the said contact-arms, said arms and said contact-frame being adapted jointly to control a signal-circuit, substantially as described.

4.. The combination with three electromagnets normally included in circuit with three sections of track, of contact-arms electrically controlled by two of said electromagnets, a contact-frame controlled by the remaining electromagnet, said contact-frame being electrically connected with one terminal of each of a plurality of signals, a back contact-point for said contact-frame electrically connected with said contact-arms and with the remaining terminals of said signals, said contact arms being adapted for engagement by said contact-frame and a battery for supplying current to said electromagnets, substantially as described.

5. Thecombination with three electromagnets normally included in circuit with three sections of track, of contact-arms electrically IIO controlled by two of said electromagnets, a contact-frame controlled by the remaining electromagnet, said contact-frame being electrically connected with one terminal of each of a plurality of signals, a back contact-point tact-frame and said contact-arms, substan-' tially as described.

6. The combination with an electromagnet, of a pivotally-mounted contact-frame actuated by said electromagnet, a plurality of electromagnets, arms actuated by said electromagnets, said arms being adapted for engagement With said contact-frame, and contactpoints adapted to be engaged by said arms, said contact-frame and contact-arms controlling an electric signal-circuit, substantially as described.

'7. The combination with an electromagnet, of an armature for said electromagnet, a circuit-changing arm carried by said armature, a second electromagnet, a contact-arm actuated by said electromagnet, said arm being adapted for engagement with said first aforesaid arm, said arms being adapted to control an electric signal-circuit, and a contact-point adapted to be engaged by said second aforesaid arm, substantially as described.

'8 The combination with an electromagnet, of a contact-frame 13 actuated thereby, limiting-stops adapted for engagement by said contact-frame, a plurality of electromagnets contact-arms 19 controlled thereby, said contactarms being adapted to engage said contactframe 13, and an insulating-strip 24 provided upon said contact-frame, which insulatingstrip is adapted to prevent electrical contact between said contact-arms and said contactframe upon a renergization of said last aforesaid electromagnet after an energization of the first aforesaid electromagnet, substantially as described.

9. The combination with an electromagnet, of a pivotally-mounted contact-frame actuated thereby, a plurality of electromagnets, contact-arms 19 controlled thereby, the said contact-arms being adapted to'engage said contact-frame 13, and an insulating-strip 24: provided upon said contact-frame 13,Which insulating-strip is adapted to prevent electrical contact between said contact-arms and said contact-frame upon a reenergization of said last aforesaid electromagnet after an energization of the first aforesaid electromagnet, substantially as described.

10. The combination with an electromagnet, of a pivotally-mounted contact-frame actuated by said electromagnet, a plurality of electromagnets,arms actuated by said electromagnets, said arms being adapted for engagement with said contact-frame, an insulatingstrip provided upon said contact-frame, and contact-points adapted to be engaged by said contact-frame, substantially as described.

11. The combination with two electromagnets normallyincluded in circuit with two sections of railroad-track, of an electromagnet 1 also included in electric circuit with a section of railroad-track, armatu res for said first aforesaid electromagnets, said armatures be ing electrically connected together with one terminal of a plurality of signals, the remaining terminals of the said signals being electrically connected with one terminal of a battery, a contact-frame controlled by said magnet 1 electrically connected with the remaining terminal of the said battery, and a back contact for said contact-frame electrically connected with the armatures of the first aforesaid magnets,substa ntially as described.

12. The combination with an electromagnet, of a pivotally-mounted contact-frame actuated by said electromagnet, a plurality of electromagnets, arms actuated by said electromagnets, said arms being adapted for engagement with said contact-frame, and an insulating-strip provided upon said contactframe, substantially as described.

In witness whereof I hereunto subscribe my name this 21st day of September, A. D. 1900.

FRANK A. LANDEE. 

